On the day they visited the Xu residence, the weather remained clear, with a cloudless, deep blue sky.

  Qin Yunyun, Qin Shuying, and Qin Lulu shared one carriage.

  Ziteng, Luye, Caiying, Cailuan, and Qin Lulu’s maidservants all sat in the vehicles behind.

  After Caiyan’s incident, she was naturally unable to continue serving Qin Yunyun and was sent home to recover. However, her legs, unfortunately, ended up permanently damaged.

  Caiyan would never return to the Qin household. It was said that upon learning she could never stand again, she attempted suicide, only to be saved in time by her parents.

  Cailuan was a first-css maid added ter.

  “Fifth Sister, Seventh Sister, Peiwei has brought many interesting things from Shu nd. I heard there’s a wooden bird that fps its wings and moves on its own. Quite fascinating,” Qin Lulu remarked.

  “That does sound intriguing,” Qin Shuying responded.

  Qin Yunyun seemed unconcerned about Madam Xu's confinement, apparently also having forgotten about the recent outburst she had at Qin Shuying and Qin Lulu.

  She continued, “My cousin is always so thoughtful, even bringing gifts for you. I don’t know what kind of curiosities she has this time, but I can’t wait to see them.”

  Qin Lulu’s curiosity was piqued. “Did you say a wooden bird that can fp its wings and move?”

  Qin Yunyun gnced at Qin Shuying, seeing her smile, then said, “Is there any doubt? I’ve read about such things in books, but I couldn’t believe it. Today I’ll really open my eyes.”

  “I seem to recall reading about something simir in a book as well,” Qin Shuying added.

  Qin Lulu, growing more curious, bombarded Qin Yunyun with questions.

  Qin Yunyun, feeling proud, didn’t hold back and shared all she knew. Qin Shuying occasionally chimed in, showing great interest.

  Qin Yunyun’s confidence grew; she couldn’t believe that Qin Shuying wouldn’t be lured by such fascinating gadgets.

  However, every time she spoke with Qin Shuying, seeing the jewelry on her head, ears, and neck, Qin Yunyun felt a sharp pain.

  Those jewels dazzled her!

  The Xu family were genuine locals of the capital, with generations of schors. Although no one had reached the very pinnacle of political power, their family was broad and accomplished, and many had served in government.

  The current head of the Xu family was Madam Xu's younger brother, Xu Minyi, who held a third-rank position in the Wenyuan Pavilion.

  Xu Minyi’s wife, Madam Mao, was the legitimate daughter of a prominent family from Shu.

  The Xu and Mao families were well-matched in social status.

  Madam Mao had given birth to a son and a daughter: Xu Zhiyang and Xu Peiwei. Xu Zhiyang, twenty-five, was already married with children and had established his career. Xu Peiwei, a few months older than Qin Yunyun, had her marriage arranged to the eldest legitimate son of the Cheng’en Marquis.

  Many of the founding nobles of the Great Zhou had been ennobled, but few remained.

  The Cheng’en Marquis was among them, though slightly less prestigious than the Zhuangmu Marquis. The Zhuangmu family could still inherit a title, whereas the Cheng’en family might see their nobility fade in another generation, reduced to commoners.

  However, the Cheng’en Marquis was not as depleted as the Zhuangmu family; despite a low-ranking title, the Marquis held a substantive post, and several family members were progressing in their careers. Xu Peiwei's betrothed was said to be much better than Sun Qingping, already a schor and diligently pursuing further studies.

  Thus, this marriage was also considered a good match.

  But compared to the Liu family, the Cheng’en Marquis only sounded impressive. They cked influential figures, unlike the Liu family, which boasted a second-rank official and several at the third rank.

  Xu Peiwei often envied Qin Shuying and didn’t hold back her acidic comments.

  Who knew what she would say if she met someone as charming as Liu Junqing?

  Soon, they arrived at the Xu residence.

  At the side gate, Xu Peiwei’s personal nanny was already waiting. Seeing the carriage approach, she immediately came forward with a smile, greeting Qin Lulu, Qin Yunyun, and Qin Shuying as they alighted.

  “Fifth Miss, Sixth Miss, Seventh Miss! It’s a pleasure to see all three young dies.”

  Nanny Yang was very polite, her plump face smiling like a Bodhisattva’s. Qin Shuying noticed, however, that her smile faltered slightly upon seeing her.

  Calmly stepping out of the carriage, Qin Shuying heard Qin Yunyun tell Nanny Yang, “We’re all family here, no need for formalities.”

  Nanny Yang quickly agreed, “Yes! Sixth Miss, our young miss has been looking forward to your visit for a long time. Please, come in!”

  Qin Yunyun led the way, and the others followed.

  The Xu estate was expansive, with many pavilions and lush gardens. The fragrance of flowers was intoxicating.

  Since they were here, they naturally first went to see Madam Mao, the dy of the house. Her quarters were grand, with strategically pced trees and an overwhelming scent of flowers.

  Inside, Madam Mao sat at the center with Xu Peiwei and a young daughter-in-w on either side, surrounded by several stewards and personal maids.

  “Madam!” Qin Yunyun called sweetly and performed a formal greeting.

  Madam Mao smiled broadly. “Yun’er, it’s been a long time since you st visited.”

  Qin Shuying and Qin Lulu also performed their greetings, saying, “Greetings to you, Madam, and to you, Young Madam Xu.”

  Madam Mao responded, “While you’re here, just call me Madam like Yun’er does. Let’s not be so formal—it feels distant.”

  This was mere politeness, and Qin Shuying and Qin Lulu knew not to take it literally.

  They were offered stools, and the three seated themselves according to their closeness.

  Xu Peiwei’s sister-in-w, Xu Zhiyang’s wife, commented with a smile, “These three girls standing together, almost of equal height, each prettier than the st. The Qin family really knows how to raise them.”

  Qin Shuying lowered her head, feigning shyness. Qin Yunyun caught sight of this and felt a surge of irritation—Qin Shuying certainly knew how to py coy! She’d make sure to give her a real reason to be shy soon.

  Qin Lulu, ever cheerful, said, “Young Madam Xu, you ftter us too much, I’m almost embarrassed.”

  Xu Peiwei gnced dismissively at Qin Lulu. Just a daughter of a concubine, and here she was, accepting an invitation as if she belonged. She didn’t even have the sense to decline.

  Didn’t she know her pce?

  Xu Peiwei sneered inwardly, then her gaze shifted to Qin Shuying, eyes turning wild when she noticed the purple jade butterfly dance hairpin and the matching set on her ears and neck.

  Such rare purple jade jewelry, which she also possessed but seldom wore, reserving it for significant occasions. Here was Qin Shuying, casually adorning herself with it.

  Didn’t she realize how much it cost?

  This entire set was worth at least twenty thousand taels!

  Her maternal family, though wealthy, never funted their riches, always maintaining a low profile. Especially now, after such an incident…